1963 Ford Galaxie 500

1963 Ford Galaxie 500 2 Door Fastback While the mid size muscle cars have shot into the collector stratosphere in recent years, it seems that just about everyone has forgotten the mighty powerhouse creations that arrive within the full size lineup from Detroit. Oft written, rearranged paragraphs about the NASCAR and NHRA homologation rules and estimated production figures spur many a dream of finding a rare, and stunningly powerful beast in dear old Uncle Fred's dusty barn. Truth be told, the mid 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Fastback falls squarely into this category. For consignment, a mid year 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 2 door fastback with a title verified 76,502 actual miles. The sport hardtop of the early '63 cars became the fastback mid year. This example features many newer parts that have yielded a fine running car that's also easy on the eyes! Exterior The car's had one repaint and now glistens with two stage Prairie Bronze paint, a cream colored coat that is augmented by typical 60's trim and molding including a broad piece of stainless the runs over the shoulder line, then does a hairpin turn to continue through the midline, encircling rear hash marks in the process and a spear that points to the Galaxie logo on the front fender. Fender ornaments are like a pair of shark fins over the fantastic stamped grille, quad headlights with ornamental covers, and a straight bumper with rubber Dagmar type bumperettes. That stamped grille is repeated in back, sitting between the afterburner tail lights and a repeat of the front bumper configuration, all in very nice shape. The car is replete with long panels, including the hood, decklid, and the roof that's extended by the sloping and broad C-pillar. Imperfections include minor filler holes under a door, a paint run under the other, and uneven filler under the grille.  Interior The black vinyl door panels feature polished trim and a textured backing plate to the armrest that looks like it came from a steel drum. Our split bench seat is also black vinyl with cabochon ornamentation and cream piping and other than some light compression, this, and the rear bench, present in very nice condition. By today's standards, the steering wheel is thin and this one is fully intact, leading to an original looking dash with horizontal speedometer flanked by circular units. There's lots of polished metal here and even the added twin gauge pod underneath is set in a reflective metal housing. Black carpet floods the floor nicely and the perforated cream headliner up top is excellent. In the trunk, a wall to wall vinyl, insulated mat covers the floor and underneath it, some minor surface rust appears in spots.  Drivetrain A nice surprise awaits when the hood is open and it's a nicely detailed engine bay in completely satin black with body colored valve covers and air filter housing. This is the 289ci V8 with 200 horsepower and a rebuilt 2-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the Ford 9 in back with 3.25 gears. Our consignor states there's a newer water pump and fuel lines on board.  Undercarriage Here we have more clean conditions and newer dual exhaust running through stock style mufflers that flank the newer gas tank, (with newer sender), and exit via down facing tips. Drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.    Drive-aAbility It has that distinctive(and desirable 60's smell on the inside as we fire it up and roll this beauty onto the test loop. It floats across the tarmac and provides good power and excellent braking. It's all clean surfaces on the inside, and hood ornaments on the outside to guide the nose of Galaxie, which scores 100 on the functionality test! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.